Celebrating 60
Years of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 

Dorie Shwedel
248.233.4210
248.310.9039 cell
dshwedel@jvsdet.org

Kim Graziosi
248.233.4212
kgraziosi@jvsdet.org

VERIZON WIRELESS FUNDS LITERACY PROGRAM WITH JVS


(Southfield, MI., October 15, 2002) - Verizon Wireless Region President Wayne White announced today that Verizon Wireless will award JVS a $20,000 grant for a literacy program for economically disadvantaged individuals in the City of Detroit. The donation will fund a computer-learning instructor who will help JVS program participants upgrade their academic skills and enable them to qualify for jobs that will assist them in becoming self-sufficient.

“Illiteracy is an important cause that businesses should not ignore because there is a direct financial impact to the economy,” said White. “Verizon Wireless is committed to helping JVS build a skilled workforce through basic and computer literacy because a skilled workforce reinforces the very foundation of business."

“This funding will enable us to assist up to 100 economically disadvantaged individuals move beyond dead-end, entry level jobs into career paths,” said Leah Rosenbaum, Executive Vice President and COO of JVS.

JVS, a full human service agency, serves over 24,000 people annually from seven locations in Metro Detroit. JVS provides job placement, career development, vocational rehabilitation, adult day care and other specialized senior services; and provides training, counseling and support services to people with developmental disabilities and chronic mental illness. For information regarding JVS employment readiness and other support services, call: (248) 559-5000 in Southfield, (313) 833-8100 in Detroit or (586) 573-0200 in Macomb.

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